Bay-backed Shrike
Lanius vittatus
The Bay-backed Shrike (Lanius vittatus) is a uncommon shrik found in 12 countries, weighing about 21 g. The bay-backed shrike is a member of the bird family Laniidae, the shrikes, resident in South Asia.
About the Bay-backed Shrike
The bay-backed shrike is a member of the bird family Laniidae, the shrikes, resident in South Asia.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
It is smallish shrike at 17 cm, maroon-brown above with a pale rump and long black tail with white edges. The underparts are white, but with buff flanks. The crown and nape are grey, with a typical shrike black bandit mask through the eye. There is a small white wing patch, and the bill and legs are dark grey. Sexes are similar, but young birds are washed-out versions of the adults.
Where it lives
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, August, September, October, November, December, with peak activity in December. It is a winter visitor species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Bay-backed Shrike?
- It is smallish shrike at 17 cm, maroon-brown above with a pale rump and long black tail with white edges. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Bay-backed Shrike?
- The Bay-backed Shrike is a small sized bird weighing about 21 g.
- Where can you see a Bay-backed Shrike?
- The Bay-backed Shrike occurs in 12 countries, including India, Pakistan, Nepal, the United Arab Emirates and Sri Lanka.
- What birds look similar to a Bay-backed Shrike?
- The Bay-backed Shrike is most easily confused with the Lesser Grey Shrike, the Bull-headed Shrike and the Isabelline Shrike.
- Is the Bay-backed Shrike endangered?
- The Bay-backed Shrike is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Bay-backed Shrike for real
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